May 21, 2008 Edition

Incumbents sweep countywide races

David (right) and Jean Baltz show their I.D.s and sign in to vote at the Walnut Ridge Community Center in Tuesday�s preferential primary. Election officials assisting them are (seated, from left): Pauline Howard, Pat Johnson and Rev. Debbie Spangler. The turnout of voters appeared to be light as the polls neared the 7:30 p.m. closing time.
TD Photo ~ John Bland

Gretchen Hunt
Editor

Lawrence County voters decided several local races during the Democratic Primary Election on Tuesday. County Clerk Tina Stowers released unofficial results shortly before 11:30 p.m.

County Judge Alex Latham was elected to his 11th term by 45 votes. He received 1,558 votes compared to 1,513 votes cast for Dale Freeman.

In the county clerk's race, incumbent Tina Stowers garnered 1,873 votes to defeat Ashley Forrester, who received 1,164 votes.

District Judge Larry Hayes won re-election with 1,950 votes. His challenger, Vickie Warner, received 1,163 votes.

Two justice of the peace races were also on the Democratic ballot.

Incumbent Donald Richey won re-election to the District 2 position. He defeated challenger Jimmie Thatcher, 237-109.

Jeff Reese defeated incumbent Larry A. Sexton in the District 3 race. The vote was 198-164.

In the two constable races, both incumbents won. Charlie Cook won the Boas Township race without a runoff. He received 255 votes. His challengers, Jim Waldrupe and Roger Johnson, received 133 and 69 votes, respectively.

Ezra Pierce was re-elected as constable of the Promised Land Township. He received 50 votes to the 13 votes cast for Scott Dejarnette.

The Election Commission will meet on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the conference room of the Lawrence County Courthouse to certify the election.